Dentures – Montpelier, VT
Putting New Teeth in Place
There are various types of tooth replacement available on the market, but the one that stands the test of time is dentures in Montpelier . As dentistry has advanced over the years, the material used to create these prosthetics makes them more appealing and natural-looking than those created centuries ago. At River Station Dentistry, our team of professionals is here to help you feel good about the way you look while also making it easier to eat, smile, and speak so that you can embrace all that life has to offer. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you smile again.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Knowing whether you are a good candidate for dentures requires scheduling a consultation with a member of our team. If you’re missing multiple teeth along the upper or lower arch, you will likely be recommended for a partial denture. However, none of your natural teeth remain, a full denture will be the suggested treatment option.
Of course, there is always the potential for an implant denture as long as you do not lack the necessary jawbone density to support your new smile.
During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine your smile to find out if you need any preliminary treatments that are designed to address signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or low jawbone density.
Types of Dentures
There are three types of dentures you can choose from. When meeting with your denture dentist, you will learn more about each:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used if you are missing multiple teeth along an arch. They do not have to be next to each other, as these prosthetics act like puzzle pieces. Made from acrylic and designed to blend in with the natural gum tissue, the artificial teeth are positioned appropriately so that when attached to natural teeth (with metal clasps), they fit over the vacant sockets to create a complete smile.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are made to replace an entire arch of teeth. Held into place with suction, you can also apply denture adhesive for added security. Full dentures are commonly made from the same material as partial dentures, including the gum-colored base. The artificial teeth mimic natural tooth enamel, so they look like regular pearly whites, allowing you to smile confidently and eat some of your favorite foods.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are frequently recommended by professionals because of their permanence and longevity. Held into place with titanium posts that are secured to the jawbone and fuse through a process known as osseointegration, these root-to-crown teeth can support custom-made dentures for 30+ years. This makes them a preferred choice among many patients suffering from tooth loss.
The Benefits of Dentures
There are different types of dentures, all with unique benefits and drawbacks. Our team at River Station Dentistry can help you determine what type of denture will best fit your needs and provide you with the most life-changing benefits. From being able to eat a greater variety of foods to enjoying a confidence boost that has you inspired to socialize more, dentures are truly priceless thanks to the countless advantages they bring to the table.
Psychological Benefits
Research shows that there is a correlation between tooth loss and anxiety and depression. With time, missing most or all of your teeth in a row can impact all areas of your life, from your personal and professional relationships to your oral and overall health. When you restore your smile, whether you opt to do that with traditional or implant dentures, you can regain a set of teeth that you feel proud to let show once again.
Clearer Speech
Gaps between teeth can lead to speech impediments like lisps and even create whistling sounds when you talk. This is due to air being pulled through small holes in the mouth caused by tooth loss or the tongue becoming stuck in these spaces as you speak. With a complete set of teeth, you can drastically minimize the frequency and severity of these speech problems.
Wider Variety in Diet
Just like difficulty speaking, another predominant life impact of moderate to severe tooth loss is the inability to eat different foods, especially those that are chewier. Dentures in Montpelier can restore your ability to easily chew important proteins, like chicken, as well as other foods that you may miss eating! As a result, you’ll likely find that you’re able to eat more nutritious meals.
Boosted Oral Health
Tooth loss has been shown to lead to a variety of additional oral health concerns, including further tooth loss. By filling the gaps in your smile with a partial denture, you could boost your dental health by minimizing your risk of developing gum disease, cavities, and other common issues.
Higher Self-Confidence
Along with a whole and healthy smile comes greater self-confidence. If you have an important upcoming interview, life event, or first date, you can go into it feeling more comfortable with your smile and leave the first impression you were hoping for!
Dentures Aftercare
Your new dentures can help transform the appearance and function of your smile. However, even if you have few or no remaining natural teeth, it doesn't mean you should stop visiting your dentist. You should still attend regular checkups for a variety of reasons. Your dentist will continue to monitor any remaining natural teeth as well as your gum tissue. They will also keep an eye out for any abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. When you wear dentures, it can be very difficult to notice these types of changes on your own, and early detection from your dentist can be the key to making a full recovery.
Removeable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After each meal, be sure to remove and rinse off your dentures. Doing this will help prevent buildup of food debris and plaque and keep your dentures looking, feeling, and smelling their best. Never use hot water to clean them, as the heat can warp the denture material and cause them to stop fitting properly.
Clean Your Restoration
It is important to completely remove your dentures from your mouth to clean them. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand-soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser, gently brush your dentures. Never use regular toothpaste, as your dentures were not made to stand up to abrasive products.
If you won’t be wearing them again right away, gently submerge them in a container of water or denture soak so they don’t dry out and lose their lose their shape.
Always be sure to rinse your dentures well before putting them back in your mouth, as these cleansing materials were not meant to be ingested.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When cleaning your dentures, be sure to place a towel underneath them just in case you accidentally drop them. You can also fill your sink basin with water for added cushioning. These safeguards will reduce the risk of them becoming damaged on impact.
When not in use, store your dentures out of reach of small children and pets.
Remove When You Sleep
Always remove your dentures each night when you go to bed. Wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to painful soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has also been associated with an increased risk of pneumonia as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque.
Store your dentures in a glass of water or denture soak overnight. If you allow them to dry out, they can permanently lose their shape and will need to be replaced.
Notice Changes
Be mindful of any changes in your mouth so you can bring them up with your dentist. This includes any mouth sores, irritation, or signs of oral infection.
Should your dentures become damaged, never attempt to repair them on your own, as you could accidentally damage them further. Instead, call River Station Dentistry and we’ll be happy to assist you.
If your dentures are shifting, clicking, or showing any other signs of improper fit, please let us know, as your restoration could need to be relined or replaced.